Day 95 - Some countryside therapy

Dragged myself out of bed today.  My immune system is in overdrive.  I can feel germs 'lurking' in my body but it refuses to give in!

Strength was tough.  It is still one of my favourites though.  After yoga, I got ready to head out of London to visit my parents.  The journey was pretty tedious as there are so many roadworks and the cats (who I carry on my lap - David drives) started getting agitated.

However, it's always lovely to drive into the village I grew up in and spend time there with my family.  Just Mum and Dad as my sister was working.  David helped my dad out in the garden and I sat in the sunshine listening to the silence and chatting with my mum.  I love how quiet it is in the village.  It makes you realize how relentlessly noisy London is.  The pace is so much slower too.  It's like therapy!

No meditation I'm afraid.  I need to get my act together for my final two weeks!

Day 94 - Fighting a cold

Feeling like I'm fighting a cold, so just went for a walk (rather than run) and then did Cross Train.  It went quite well, still very wobbly on my right leg.

Had a bit of a nap in the afternoon and then went to get dinner...hardCORE when I got back.

Not much to report (and I'm behind in my blogging so I can't remember any details!).

Namaste!

Day 93 - I still like Mountain Pose!

Still liking Mountain Pose!  I've been doing some extra shoulder mobility work and I now actually enjoy doing MP rather than just feeling awkward.  It really seems to even me up - when I begin, I feel wonky and have more weight on one foot than the other but feel more centred and grounded at the end.  I think I'll keep doing this one when the 108 is up.

I did Pranayama but was running out of time so thought I'd get to meditation later.  Went for a swim which was pretty good, apart from everyone in my lane having to accommodate the show off who thought he owned it.  There's always one!

I then had my mammoth eye check up which always takes forever.  My eyes are fine though, which is always good news.  I have to travel to the very south of London for it - Croydon, for those who know it.  Not the nicest place but the contact lens lady is so good and I've been going there for ages, so don't want to change to somewhere more local.  If you find someone good at their job, stick with them I say.  I owned up to still taking a nap sometimes in my lenses - she's written in my notes, "DO NOT TAKE NAPS IN YOUR LENSES!". :)

I had a session with a client when I got back and then did a whole four minutes of meditation!  I have to say, I'm much better at getting 'in the zone' so four mins did have an effect.  I'll try and do more tomorrow.  David came home from training his MMA guys with news of a possible running project - we'll see what happens with that...

Day 92 - Better day!

Today began with Vitality at 4.50am.  This is what I've been missing lately: my early morning practice.  There's just something about it that feels 'right' - moving through the poses on my mat while the world is asleep.  I also still feel slightly tired at this time, so my mind isn't entirely awake and therefore doesn't interfere with what I'm doing.  It was nice to have that feeling again.

I had a series of clients today, all very different and all very interesting and wonderful.  I love my job!

I have yet to do my meditation.  I also really need to catch up properly on what everyone else in the facebook 'team' has been doing.  I think I'll have time to get to this tomorrow.  I'm planning to do MP and Pranayama first thing, before a swim.  I then have the annoying, yet essential, trip to the Opticians to have a contact lens check and sight test.  I will get told off as usual for sometimes having a nap with my lenses in...

I have a client in the evening and then it's the weekend.  Yoga on both days of course, maybe a little run on Saturday, then a visit to my parent's (to the village where I grew up) for some chill out time and gossiping.  Ah, love escaping London :).

Day 91 - Mixed day!

Bit of a weird day.  Had planned to get up and work while having breakfast, then go running in the middle of the day.  However, David returned early after his client didn't show up (the downside of our job - it happens sometimes). 

We ended up going to Clapham to run, earlier than planned.  I don't know - I just don't run so well if I've eaten.  I'm guessing it has something to do with the fact that, if I was living in a natural environment, I would have to exercise first thing in order to get my food and water.  That seems to be how my body works best.  As it was, my right foot was niggly and we stopped early.

Cardio was enjoyable as usual though.  I did that as soon as I got back.  I then did pc work and threw in hardCORE somewhere in the afternoon (felt good because I hadn't done it in a while) and then headed out to clients.  Didn't get home until 10.30pm so dinner was late and bedtime was even later!

I did manage 14 minutes of meditation.  I say "manage", which implies it was difficult but in fact, it felt natural and very enjoyable.  I am learning!

Day 90 - Didn't want Yin but needed it!

I was out and about for much of today so didn't get to Yin until around 6pm.  I've never done it this late before and it felt good, especially as the light faded as I was doing the class and by the end, it was dark with just the glow from the TV.  Perfect timing!

I hadn't been looking forward to Yin.  When I overdo (or get close to overdoing) the training, I get quite fidgety and feel like I want to do more cardio.  Well, hello, that means that Yin is exactly what I need.  Sure enough, it chilled me out and felt pretty good.  The only one I don't like is the deep hip flexor/hip stretch.  Travis says something like, "Just sink down onto your elbows", but for me, there's no blissful sinking.  Rather an awkward sort of side-bending and then trying to hold the pose propped on one elbow.  It's more like the Strength DVD at that point. 

I didn't feel like doing hardCORE today.  I felt quite rebellious actually - I didn't do it because I didn't want to, so there!

I will try and do it tomorrow because I won't get to it on Thursday.  Thursday will start at 5am (with Vitality) and finish at 10pm.  My client has cancelled tomorrow, so I won't have to be up at 5am then as well.  Planning a run as well as Cardio and then clients later.  Loads of pc work to do as well - boooo.

Can't believe I'm on day 90.  It feels weird.  I haven't achieved as much as I thought I would but have certainly learned a lot and the massive thing I'm grateful for is the beginnings of a changed outlook on life.  The detachment message that Travis puts across is golden.  Sometimes - most of the time - things don't matter as much as you think they do.  I'm beginning to develop a less worried approach, slowly but surely.  Funnily enough, I felt this the most in the very first phase and have lost it slightly.  Meditation, meditation, meditation...

Day 89 - Tired muscles = no balance!

Up at 6am for my client.  Came back and did some emailing/admin bits and then went swimming.  Pretty quiet in the pool and people swimming at a good pace, so did my mile non-stop.  Definitely getting better at swimming - practice always makes perfect eh?

Food and more admin when I got back, plus running some errands, then I decided to do Balance.  Well, I can safely say that my muscles were feeling the last few days of quite intense exercise so my balance wasn't great.  I decided to use the block for the half moon pose/dancer sequence which felt better.  More controlled, less strain.  I almost, ALMOST did the arm balance thing on both sides - I'd say I held it for half a second!  I'll get there! 

I doubt I'll get to hardCORE today.  No point pushing it - I can't think I'll get much benefit and only have Yin tomorrow, so I'll do hardCORE before that. 

I shall try to get to some meditation later on but really feeling sleepy so may nod off! 

Day 88 - Training day

Just about got enough energy to type this - ha ha.  Went for a run this morning with David - quite a fast pace for around 45 minutes.  We drove to Clapham Common to run, which is around 20 minutes away.  We didn't leave for the run until around 11am so I didn't even start Strength til around 1pm when we got back.  Towards the end I was decidedly shaky and sweaty - I've had this sensation a few times and it basically means that I'm a bit dehydrated and my electrolyte balance is off.  Just kept my breathing going and moved through it but shavasana at the end felt veeery good.

I've eaten now and feel fine, just tired.  Seriously thinking about swapping my days so that I have Yin tomorrow and Balance on Tuesday.  We're swimming tomorrow so I'm not sure I fancy Balance and hardCORE.  We'll see...

I felt really good running.  My toe did a weird clicky thing before we left and it seemed to sort my foot out.  I think I've had a dislocated toe since last Sunday - feels much better now! 

Off for a shower :).

Day 87 - Fatigued!

Phew, feeling fatigued.  Didn't get back from my client until 12 pm today so decided I'd just do Cross Train rather than run as well.  So, didn't get around to eating until around 1.30pm, by which point I was pretty hungry!

Watched the Grand Prix qualifying (it's the night race in Singapore tomorrow which I don't much like - you can't see very much of what's going on) and then went out for a walk with David as I was feeling the need for some fresh air.  Picked up some bits from the shop on the way back and then did some housework.  Exciting times!

Have also managed 12 minutes of meditation and hardCORE and now am just about ready to sit down and chill.  It is Saturday after all.  Think we'll be running tomorrow and I have Strength on the schedule so I'll be tucking into some decent food later on...well, by decent, I mean with lots of calories :).

Going to try and embrace my last three weeks with a bit more focus though.  I'll really need to feel as healthy as possible to tackle those 108 Sun Salutations!

Day 86 - Realigned :)

I actually do feel that Mountain Pose realigns my chakras!  It took me nearly the whole 108 days to get to grips with this one, but it's finally starting to work for me.

I did it first thing before heading to the pool.  It was quieter than Monday so I was able to do my mile pretty much non-stop and at a good pace.  What a workout!

I had a whole list of things to get through and was on a bit of a role so got lots done when I got back.  Went out briefly to get food for this evening (avocado and salad) and then my client wanted to re-schedule for tomorrow morning, so as well as doing Pranayama and meditation, I did #1 from Travis' Short and Sweet first.  I'd forgotten how much I enjoy it - and how quickly it goes!  It flew by, whereas the Pranayama and meditation feels like it goes on forever, even though they're pretty much the same length.  At least I get a good meditation session when I use the DVD for guidance.  I wasn't bunged up from the swimming either so the breathing was fine.

Not sure how things will play out tomorrow.  I have my client and also need to do Cross Train and hardCORE.  I fancy a run too but my foot is still niggling a bit from the challenging run on Sunday.  We'll see. 

Feeling quite chilled now so going to do some reading while David is training his martial arts group. 

Namaste!

Day 85 - Why is it camel's pose?!

On mat for Vitality at 8am and felt pretty good.  My hip flexors and chest are tight and stop me from getting anywhere near camels pose.  Doing one arm at a time though really gives my hip flexors a good stretch - feels good.

I went to see my oldest client after that - 85 years old!  Love working with elderly people and I often get quite outraged at how they are treated in the UK.  So many people don't seem to realize that they'll be old one day - which I can't fathom at all.  It's pretty simple!  Old people are not a different species - they are just old!  Other cultures are the opposite where the elderly are held in high regard.  Much better set up I think. 

Anyway, when I got back, I did a couple of work bits and then went for a run.  When it's raining, your feet get soft and generally more sensitive so it was pretty tough going on the rough surfaces round here.  As far as running in the rain goes though, I love it.  Very refreshing!  I did hardCORE when I got back, so that's me done apart from meditation which I will do right after this.

I think we'll swim in the morning as my usual Friday morning client is away.  I'll do Mountain Pose first, which I now think is ok.  I'll do Pranayama and meditation in the evening although my breathing might be a problem as I'm usually bunged up after swimming.  Oh, and I have a client in the evening too so...we'll see.  I'll fit it in somewhere.

Right, meditation time after a quick catch up with the facebook group :).

Day 84 - Loooonng day

Up at 5am to head into London.  I was tired!  I haven't been having any really early starts recently so I'm out of practice.  Got back just after 9am and we had planned a swim but I knew I also had to do Cardio and had clients later, so just got stuck into the Cardio straight away.  The swimming can happen later in the week!

Cardio felt good.  I was tired to start with but it has such a nice flow and warmed me up nicely.  Did some work and then we had to go out and run quite a few errands.  More work when I got back and then out to clients.

Wednesday is a long day - I ate dinner after 10.30pm.  No meditation unfortunately and none yesterday either.  I'm really slacking - need to pull my socks up!  Tomorrow I'll do Vitality first thing, and then squeeze in a run and hardCORE too AND make sure I do some meditation.  Not too early a start - I'll hit my mat around 8am.  Vitality is a good 'un so it'll be a nice start to the day.

I do think that out of the three phases, the first phase and its sequencing was most enjoyable.  We had Detox and Vitality.  Starting to think about what I'll do after the 108 and looking forward to dusting off my Shiva Rea and Rodney Yee DVDs as well as Travis' Short and Sweet.  I'll also probably do some non-yoga ones just to mix it up.  Then I really ought to do another round of the 108 and be more focused, i.e. commit more to the food programme (without being extreme) and do more meditation.  Looking forward to continued progress anyway.

And that's all :).

Day 83 - Didn't last long

Had a client this morning and then did some work when I got back.  I decided to do Yin mid-afternoon.  I'm afraid I didn't really enjoy it :(.  Thought I'd had a breakthrough with it last week but today I just wasn't feeling it.  I even pulled a muscle in my neck supporting myself in pigeon pose!  Oh dear - useless me. 

It wasn't all bad.  I did feel quite chilled at the end but I suppose I'm just a bit frustrated that my flexibility gains haven't been as great as I'd hoped they'd be and I still don't think these long, static stretches are the way to improve.  At least, some of the positions are too awkward for me to really relax into. 

Went to see another client later on and then early to bed - 5am start tomorrow!

Day 82 - It's getting cold!

Did Balance this morning which went quite well - on my left leg anyway.  My right foot is feeling a bit iffy so my balance was all off on my right leg.  No chance of the one leg up/arm balance thingy but I did manage to hold crow (crane?) pose, so that was good.  Really noticing that it was the hot weather that was making me sweat and feel like I was working hard - it's all so much easier now it's colder, although I prefer the heat. Autumn is coming upon us far too quickly for my liking!

Went for a swim after yoga.  Had to swim slower than I wanted as the lanes were busy.  So, towards the end when I had four lengths to go, I ventured into the fast lane.  There was only one swimmer in there doing breastroke so I thought he couldn't be going that fast.  I did my fastest and best crawl for one length and discovered that the leisurely breastroke-er was actually going at the same speed.  So I managed my remaining three lengths at 'break neck' speed (which obviously looked like snail's pace in reality) and got out the pool before I started to annoy the 'proper' fast swimmers.  A good swim though and I enjoyed pushing it at the end.

David and I had a bit of a strategy meeting about our company - sorely needed.  We have now re-focused so I've had some time well spent at the pc today.  Just done a spot of meditation (11 mins!) to give me a break and I'll keep going for another hour or so before doing hardCORE and calling it a day. 

And that's all :)

Day 81 - So needed that run!

Strength this morning.  My arms were feeling it - all in all, a bit creaky to start with but loosened up as I got into it.  I love the leg work - it's just the right level of challenge.

We headed to Richmond Park, surprised by the amount of traffic on the roads for a Sunday.  Then I saw a sign that the park was shut due to the Duathlon taking place.  Oh.  Well, we were almost there so decided it was probably only just shut to traffic - which was the case - and managed to find a parking space right outside.  Perfect.  We made our way through all the people - the voices and breeze in the air reminded me of past athletics competitions and I felt a few butterflies! 

There were signs to stay off the road but we always run off-road up into the hills so only have to cross a few roads en route.  We cheered on a few runners and cyclists on bits of road that we crossed, but in the woods and off the roads, it was pretty quiet, as usual.  Just us and the deer.  I so needed this!

It's weird - when I train before I eat, I don't feel tired or hungry and feel like I could keep going all day.  I think I've finally trained my body to burn my fat stores efficiently :).  There's quite a focus on that in the fitness world at the moment - monitoring effort by using heart rate and training for maximum efficiency.  I know it's worked for a lot of people too, although it doesn't appeal to me.  I hate wearing a bra so wearing a heart rate monitor and watch would be too much.  I'm not a gadget fan either.  I try to hear what my body's telling me, which has taken years of practice and I still ignore it sometimes.  But I shouldn't.  As Travis says, you're body is constantly giving you feedback: "But are you listening?  Are you listening?" 

Off to meditate.  My foot is a bit niggly from that long, off road run.  Challenging on the stabilizing muscles.  Going to send my foot some relaxing thoughts :).

Day 80 - Not long to go!

It was strange not running today - Saturday is usually a busy training day.  I did Cross Train this morning which was lovely as usual and then some work.  Did some food shopping to get me away from the pc and some housework too - what an exciting Saturday!

After much toing and froing on facebook, it's been decided to cancel the run tomorrow due to the weather.  David and I would run in any weather but the planned run was along the cliffs in Brighton and potential gale force winds and rain were not everyone's cup of tea!  Best to be on the safe side.  David and I might head to Richmond Park instead as we haven't been there for ages and it's such a beautiful place to run.  No cliffs to fall off either!

I did hardCORE from memory as David was watching something on tv so I couldn't hog the living room again.  There's enough space behind the sofa so I just worked through the exercises there.  I've done it so many times, I could almost play Travis' words in my head from memory!

I think I'll still do Strength first thing tomorrow before our run, so it looks like an active Sunday.  Thank goodness - I haven't run since Tuesday and I'm feeling the need!

I did 10 minutes of meditation today too - 10 minutes feels good but I think 15 or 20 is probably more beneficial.  Not sure I'll ever get to 30 - maybe on round two!

Day 79 - Feeling chilled

Did Mountain Pose early and it felt like it realigned me a bit.  I think I like splitting up MP and the Pranayama and Meditation - it seems more manageable.

Had a busy morning and half the afternoon with clients.  Did some walking and jogging with them so decided not to run on my own too.  I'll save my energy for Cross Train and Strength this weekend, plus my run with some friends on Sunday. 

I've just done Pranayama and Meditation.  I felt quite restless to start with but got in the zone after a while.  When I first started this, I was glad of the guidance and Travis' words are very meaningful.  Now that I'm more practiced though, I kind of wanted to follow my own inner being and his voice was a bit disruptive.  I may do this meditation in silence from now on, as per my other meditations.  Having said that, some of the things he said still resonated with me today, so we'll see.

Feeling a bit too chilled out to write any more so I'm going to do some reading.  Just me and the cats in the flat so it's very peaceful :).

Day 78 - Vitality is back!

Ah, Vitality is back.  I couldn't remember what was in this one, apart from lots of back bends, but everything was familiar as I ran through it.

This class doesn't have as much flow as the other power yoga classes, but it still feels like a nice sequence.  There are interesting movements that get deep into your muscles but it's actually slightly slower paced and on the whole, there's less strength involved.  My back is more flexible compared to the last time I did this - I remember having to be a bit cautious whereas today, I felt I just had a bit more movement.

I had planned a run but didn't manage to fit it in.  I did hardCORE though which was a fun little 18 minutes as usual.  I don't think it will ever not be challenging!

No meditation again today.  I need to get back to this as my brain is starting to feel a little manic!  I have Mountain Pose and Pranayama, etc. tomorrow so that should feel good.  I'll also do a little run I think.

I really miss the Detox class!  When the programme ends, it'll be one of the first ones I do!

Day 77 - It's quite cold and dark

Cardio DVD this morning and then mainly working.  Already getting bits together for the next issue of our magazine - the front cover image is sorted :).

Got all my stuff out and moved the sofa for hardCORE a little while ago and then something made me check the schedule.  I don't have hardCORE today, it's tomorrow.  Oh well, extra bit of exercise moving the furniture about!

I'm off to a client now.  It's decidedly autumnal out there and the forecast looks like rain for our run on Sunday.  Boooooo!

Busy day tomorrow with clients and training.  Haven't figured out how to fit it all in yet but I'm sure it'll happen. 

Oh, cardio was fine.  Enjoyable as usual and the cooler weather makes it a bit easier!

Namaste!

Day 76 - Wonky left leg

Went for a long run this morning.  My left leg felt like it was on wonky so was under tension a bit, but other than that the run was fabulous.  This time of year is great for running because the temperature is just right - you start off a bit cold but then warm up nicely without getting too hot.

I did Yin when I got home which was a bit of a struggle again compared to last time, but it was still good to do.  I always feel that for a complete stretch I need to do something incorporating the upper body.  Triangle pose is a good one for me - it stretches the places that need it. 

I did some work and had clients late this evening, so didn't do any meditation.  I seem to be managing every other day which isn't quite where I should be, but I'm finding it easier.  Ten minutes is pretty easy, whereas before I'd open my eyes having sat there for 'ages' and only three minutes had passed.  So, there is progress :)

Day 75 - Balance, fell over a lot!

Feeling quite tired!  I did Balance this morning - although my balance was terrible.  I think it was mainly due to muscle fatigue - my weaker right leg was not playing the game.  I still enjoyed it though - it's a great class.  I never don't enjoy yoga!

On reflection, if I was so tired then why did I go swimming straight after?!  You don't have to support your own body in the water though so it's a different demand altogether.  The swim was great - sometimes you end up having quite a few rest periods if the lanes are busy but today it was continuous.  I generally exercise much better before food, which bodes well for this coming Sunday when I have to do my Strength session before heading to Brighton (hour and a half journey) for a group run with some fellow barefoot runners.  Not sure when I'll get to eat but looking forward to catching up with some friends I've not seen for a while.

I still have hardCORE and meditation to do but have been fitting in some work in between.  For our next magazine issue, I'm doing a piece on the great Jesse Owens and I've just watched a documentary about his life.  Of course I already knew about his being snubbed by Hitler at the 1936 Olympic Games but wasn't aware what happened once he returned to the States.  An Olympic hero refused a hotel room because he was black - and that was just the beginning.  Shocking.

Planning a long run tomorrow so might do my Yin session after, before clients.  Busy busy.  Where has the sun gone by the way?  I'm wearing a cardigan!

Day 74 - Sunday Strength!

Had a lie in this morning and then hit my mat for Strength.

Nothing much to report.  It went quite well, I felt relatively strong.  I still can't manage all of the push-ups without modifying and that second elbow plank sequence remains too much of a challenge!

I watched the Grand Prix which was pretty boring.  It's more about more about the tyres, strategy and politics and less and less about driving ability and racing.  I also think it's disgraceful of fans to 'boo' competitors - very poor manners!  The Moto GP is far more exciting - proper racing and better sportsmanship.  Just my opinion :).

I had to do some work today too which took longer than I thought it would but that's fine.  I was analyzing and putting together a report on some client's running technique which is always interesting.

No meditation today - slapped wrist for me!

Day 73 - Cross Train is back!

I was giggling to myself this morning.  There was a discussion on the facebook group a little while ago about how people's hamstrings were really feeling it after they'd completed their 108 Sun Salutations.  I tend to veer on the safe side and keep my knees bent quite often, so I didn't think I'd have any residual pain or tightness in my hamstrings after my 72 SS yesterday.

Oh, how wrong I was.  I could feel the restriction just turning over in bed!  I'm now wondering if I'll need to take a couple of days off work after my 108!

I slept really badly so thought this morning's run would be short and uncomfortable.  However, it was the opposite.  David and I headed out around 11am and both felt like we could just keep on going.  I was mindful that I had Cross Train to do but we still went a lot further than planned and might have gone on longer if I hadn't got glass in my foot.  It happens occasionally and if you catch it in time, you can pick it out, otherwise it's a bit of minor surgery when you get home.  I'm not sure if I've got it out - the pain has gone but it may have worked its way deeper.  I'm sure I'll find out in a couple of days as pieces that go in deep often work their way to the surface later on.  Stepping on glass is rarely a problem - if it's big enough to see, you can usually step on it without it going into your foot.  It's the tiny little pieces that are the buggers.  A small price to pay for the freedom and enjoyment of running barefoot and shoes cause way more problems than the odd bit of glass anyway.

So, back home for Cross Train.  I'd completely forgotten what was in this DVD, I just knew I liked it.  Ahhh, and I still do.  It is just such a nice, complete class.  And something amazing happened too.  The pose that was impossible for me before - it's one where you're in side angle pose and then wrap your arms around your leg - just came to me today as though I'd always done it!  Previously, I couldn't even take my bottom hand off the floor but now my legs are strong enough in that position to hold my weight.  I was pleased to manage it on both sides too :).

I've also done hardCORE (tough when you've not done it for a while) and 16 minutes of meditation.  A record for me.

I'm feeling a rare sense of contentment - David too - as we finally published the latest issue of Barefoot Running Magazine yesterday so there's a temporary relief before we panic about the next one.  We've already started work on it - we both did some today - but the pressure's off for now.  Nice.  If you want to read it, here's a link:  Barefoot Running Magazine

Time for a beer :).

Day 72 - Angels were singing!

I actually lost sleep thinking about this last night!  It's not that I thought I wouldn't be able to do it - I never think that, which means there's always an extra pressure.  With all the other yoga DVDs, you can modify depending on how you feel on the day, but with this one, you either did it or you didn't.  Pressure!

I felt fairly rubbish when I hit the mat too.  The humid weather really affects me, especially when my hormones are doing their monthly thing, so I felt hot and a bit sick.  Anyway, I began.  It certainly took a while (as in the 36 SS) to get into the same rhythm as everyone in the DVD.  It's pretty fast and you just jump right in. 

I have to admit, I wasn't 'feeling it' to begin with.  I was hoping for a harmonious flow but I felt a bit awkward and twingy.  However, I happened to look up at the screen just as the music changed (around number 44).  It's brilliantly composed and if it's meant to sound like angels singing, then the composer did a great job!  Combined with this sudden, uplifting melody was a huge smile on Travis' face.  He was just oozing enjoyment, gratitude, fun and encouragement all in one go and I suddenly wanted to cry!  I found myself smiling along with him and my mood changed instantly - incredible.  Just shows you what music and someone else's smile can do.  The angels disappeared for a while as the music quietened down, but they made a welcome appearance again towards the end. 

I can't say it was the fluid meditation I was hoping for but it still had a profound effect.  I had such a weird day the rest of the day - so many ups and downs and, no, it wasn't just due to my hormones!

Roll on phase three!

Day 71 - Woo hoo! I enjoyed 'Yin'!

Well, well.  I actually enjoyed 'Yin' today!  I think I know why too.  It's a little bit to do with the fact that I'm more flexible now, but more to do with being better at meditating on a regular basis.  I was able to just chill out today without my head filling with all sorts of worried, stressful thoughts.  Progress!

I didn't feel like a run beforehand so just did a little mobility routine before I headed to my mat.  I thought about going for a walk or run later but what with work and fetching my car (it's finally back!) I ran out of time.  Ah well, I'll have lots of energy for my 72 Sun Salutations tomorrow morning!

The facebook group have reassured me that I will be fine and that the 72 are easier than the 36!  We shall see - I'm sure that the extra meditation practice will come in handy again.

Namaste!

Day 70 - Much better today :)

Felt much better today.  I started with 'Gentle' and it felt really good.  You almost have to think about changing down a gear and then you start to feel the benefits.  It felt so good to stretch!

I did some work while I waited for David to get back (my early client had cancelled) to go running.  He was running late so by the time we'd driven to Clapham, it was midday and I was starving!  We ran in the baking heat which was a challenge but I tried to remain in as meditative a state as possible which helped. 

So, I didn't have 'breakfast' until 2pm - fruit, nuts and yoghurt (I know the yoghurt isn't part of the 'raw' but never mind...).  I've since been doing more work - and had a shower too, obviously :).

Our new laptop has arrived.  David is busy installing all the software that DOESN'T come with it.  Such a rip off.  He says it's good though.  It looks slim and shiny which is where my appreciation starts and finishes.  I expect I'll be swearing at it soon when it tries to second guess what I want to do and makes everything take twice as long.  Yep, not such a fan of technology :).

Need to plan some client training sessions for later and then more chilled out yoga tomorrow - this time in the form of 'Yin'.  Haven't done this one since the first phase so it'll be interesting.  Might swim or run first as a warm up.  Tomorrow will be hot again so I need to think up lots of reasons to be outside for most of the day!

Getting quite apprehensive about my 72 Sun Salutations on Friday.  I'm going to do them early as this is my favourite time.  Hopefully my arms will hold out as I haven't done any yogi push ups since Monday!

Day 69 - Out of sorts

I felt very out of sorts this morning.  I was glad it was just Mountain Pose on the agenda and it actually made me feel more aligned - I felt very wonky when I started.  Don't tell me I'm finally getting to grips with it?!

The rest of the day I felt exhausted for no reason - other than that it's almost "lady time" (as someone referred to it in the facebook group) and the weather was humid.  That always drains me for some reason.  I did a lot of proof reading on the pc which made me even more like a zombie and the brain fug only started to clear once I was traveling to my client this evening. 

Both cats threw up today and Bo had problems with her 'other end' again.  David has taken the scissors to the relevant area so that if and when there's a next time, it'll be easier to clean!  I think they just have fur balls - they seem happy in themselves otherwise. 

I'm not being very strict so far with the raw food detox, but I had fruit and nuts for breakfast, some raw veg and hummus for a snack and avocado salad this evening.  No booze either, so not a bad effort.  If I feel more myself tomorrow, I'll make sure I don't have any crisps (shared a bag with David earlier) or hot chocolate (drinking one now!).

'Gentle' yoga tomorrow which I'll do first thing and then I'll run later on - it's supposed to hit 27 degrees tomorrow AND Thursday!

Day 68 - Booooo! Last 'Detox' session :(.

Last 'Detox' today :(.  I'm so gonna miss this one, it just has something of everything and as Travis says, it is such a, "sweet flow".

I went swimming this morning.  Still getting to grips with proper lane swimming and lane etiquette.  David and I had the lane to ourselves a lot of the time but a bloke got in towards the end and spoiled our rhythm.  I felt like I was in a race - it certainly pushed me, I was exhausted by the end!  We did a mile which is what we usually aim for.  My lower back felt it for a while because we haven't been for two weeks but it eased off.

Breakfast and work when I got back.  I got quite a lot done and we're almost there with our latest project.  I had a little nap in the afternoon (that swimming just knocked me out!) and then did my last - sniff - Detox session.  My nose was a bit blocked from swimming but apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I got David to film one of the flow sequences - some movements looked better than I thought they would, others I was more critical of.  Very useful to see though.

It felt strange doing it in the afternoon.  I definitely don't get the same feeling of 'unfolding' into the day when I practise in the afternoon.  It doesn't feel so spiritual and I don't get the same sense of well-being flow through me like I do in the mornings.  It just felt nice, that's all!

Poor little Bo threw up last night and then she managed to get a whole load of poo stuck in her fluff this morning - whilst I ate my breakfast too.  Nice.  David cleaned up the sick so I got the poo - think I came out worse in that deal.  I think she's ok - cats tend to use throwing up as a regular detox rather than it being anything worse.  I'll keep an eye on her.

This is my transition week so tomorrow I only have Mountain Pose which I'll do first thing.  I've also eaten pretty clean today in preparation for my raw detox.  There is a huge bottle of beer waiting in the fridge for me on Friday though :).

Day 67 - Last Flexibility went well!

Had a huge lie-in this morning after a night of indulging in pizza and wine.  I felt surprisingly good when I got up though and went straight to my mat for the last Flexibility session of the programme.

I'm not sure why, but it felt really good today.  The standing sequence didn't feel disjointed and I felt more flexible than last time.  I can do a yogic squat but it's pretty precarious so can't do the extra twisting and tying my arms in knots.  I realized too late that I could actually sit on my yoga block, which keeps my hips open in a comfortable position and I can then do the rest of the sequence.  Oh well, I'm sure I will re-visit this one in the future and can play around with it some more then.  I kind of want to conquer it - I still really want to be able to do the splits!

I will be doing hardCORE and some meditation later on - in between working at the pc ON A SUNDAY!  Ah, the life of a self-employed person definitely has its bad points but the good sure outweighs the bad. 

Next week will be a transition into the last phase of the programme.  I'm looking forward to doing 'Cross Train' again and glad that 'Balance' remains in the rotation.  I'm supposed to do three days of eating raw so I'll try and follow that as closely as possible.  Tuesday-Thursday are very gentle yoga days so I need to think about what else I will do.  Maybe I'll give my body a bit of a break...ok, who am I kidding, I know that I will run at least once.  I will take it easy though.

Planning a swim in the morning and I also have 'Detox' on the schedule.  I'd like to do it first thing but don't want to knacker my arms for swimming so might end up doing it later on.  We'll see.

Back to work :(.

Day 66 - Run and Strength :)

Felt a bit sluggish this morning but went out for a run, making sure I started slowly and my body gradually loosened up.  The sun was shining - beautiful run!

Very sweaty when I got back so I applied plenty of climbing chalk to my hands and feet (which does make quite a mess but it's worth it) and got onto my mat for 'Strength'.  It was very challenging as usual.  I still can't complete the second forearm plank sequence but it's because I've just done a one arm side balance and my arms are saying, "enough!" 

I'm trying to work out how much of it is in my mind.  I've always done a lot of leg strength work and even though my legs feel challenged in this DVD, I somehow know that my legs can do it so keep going.  I wonder if I just don't have the confidence in my arms and that makes me give up sooner...

Went into Bromley with David as he was meeting a new client there for a consultation.  I sat and read some of the 'Bhagavad Gita' while I waited for him.  It's quite deep and philosophical but if you are open to following the line of thought and seriously considering it, it begins to open up a new perspective. 

I only did seven minutes of meditation but I did do fifteen minutes yesterday which was pretty good.  I think I'm getting better!

Last 'Flexibility' session tomorrow - not too sad about that!